Men’s basketball wins conference title.
Men’s Basketball Wins KIAC Title
By Jessica Bolduc
Staff writer
IU Southeast men’s basketball wins KIAC title with a record of 9-0. The Grenadiers (22-8) are on a 10-game winning streak going into the conference tournament. “We have to finish out by winning our conference tournament and represent IU Southeast at the national tournament,” said sophomore center, Charlie Gonzalez.
Talent was not the only factor that led the Grenadiers to go undefeated in conference. This team has a special chemistry that exudes onto the court. With a new head coach starting this season, the team pulled together and set their goals. Determination, hard work, and teamwork were needed to have a winning season, and the men’s team met the task head on.
“It’s
always good to see all the hard work these guys put in pay off,” said head
coach, Wiley Brown. “From day one I have
been telling them, ‘trust me, it’ll pay off’ because I’ve seen it happen. This group of guys remind
me so much of my 1980
Mid-January,
the Grenadiers fell to a talented, veteran
That loss lit a fire under them. They realized that they were good and that they were contenders for the National title. The Grenadiers won the next 10 games and are undefeated going into the conference tournament. This gives the Grenadiers a huge advantage over the other teams. They are prepared and ready to play.
“Our coaches have pushed us so hard in practice since day one,” said sophomore guard, Dejon Gary. “They helped us prepare for the games and that is the main reason why we are undefeated in conference play.”
The coaching staff has pushed this young team to excel at the highest level. Coach Brown brought a new style to the program and the team transitioned smoothly. “They take a butt chewing right on the chin and ask for more. I can’t ask for a better group of guys as far as unbelievable character,” said Coach Brown.
Brown has instilled in their heads that they must believe in their team if they want to be successful. They have to believe in themselves and in their teammates. It wasn’t going to come easy, and the Grenadiers knew this at the start of the season. The coaching staff and players dedicated themselves to have a solid season and make it to the National Tournament.
Assistant coach, Antwain Banks, says the team has bought into what Brown wanted to do from the beginning. “They believed in what he was teaching them through all the grueling practices and the tough losses. All the blood, sweat, and guts got us here to where we are today. These guys are starting to realize how special this team can really be. They believe in each other, they have each other’s back, and they are as close as any team I’ve been around. These guys are special.”
This KIAC title is very important to the team. They’ve worked hard and have given their hearts to this team. “It makes it special to share this experience with all the guys on the team,” said Charlie Gonzalez. “Not only for the players but also for Coach Brown getting his first regular season Conference Championship. It’s good for our team going into the tournament and for Coach Brown in his first season.”
Winning conference was just one of the goals the Grenadiers set this year. They are looking forward to winning the conference tournament and making it to the National Championship. “We want to be a national ranking powerhouse, and I think we are moving closer and closer in that direction,” said Brown.
IU Southeast will
be a No. 1 seed in the upcoming KIAC Men’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament is held at